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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees perished.